Fugitive captured after K-9 bites arm

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Fugitive David Gomez, one of Douglas County’s most wanted felons, was captured Friday in Antioch, Calif., after he was bitten by a K-9 service dog while trying to elude arrest.

Sgt. Pat Brooks said Monday that Gomez, 31, was apprehended in a joint effort with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Antioch Police Department.

Gomez, wanted for drug trafficking, has eluded capture since he failed to appear for an Oct. 1 Douglas County District Court date.

In February DCSO deputies surrounded an address at 641 Thorobred Ave., in Ruhenstroth, but did not locate Gomez.

Brooks said Monday that Gomez was believed to be staying with friends of his girlfriend.

“Working with U.S. Marshals, they were able to get some information in Antioch and found his vehicle there. They did some surveillance, and knew he was likely to be a runner, so they set up a perimeter,” Brooks said.

Brooks said Gomez attempted to flee Friday, but was arrested by Antioch police after he was bitten on the right arm by a K-9 service dog.

Brooks said he was treated at a nearby hospital and remanded into custody where he is being held without bail.

Gomez is expected to be extradited to Nevada after proceedings in California. Antioch is located in Contra Costa County in the East Bay region.

Last October, while out of custody, Gomez left the Minden courthouse just before the proceedings where he was being arraigned on charges of trafficking, habitual felon and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Gomez was arrested in May 2013 after he ran from deputies trying to serve a warrant for a probation violation.

When he was taken into custody, deputies reportedly found 27.9 grams of methamphetamine, empty plastic bags, a switchblade, a pay notebook and $457.

Gomez has a lengthy criminal history and multiple failures to appear.

He spent 3-1/2 years in prison before being released in November 2012. Gomez has served two prior prison terms for selling methamphetamine, and eluding a peace officer who believed Gomez was trying to run him over with a van.